Multi-modal Steering Wheel Control via Capacitive Touch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle control mechanisms are ergonomically and intuitively challenging, often requiring hand movement and distracting the driver during operation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-modal control mechanism integrated into a steering wheel, allowing bidirectional actuation through spinning and force application, with sensors and a control module to generate input signals for vehicle control, including capacitive touch and haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional control mechanisms are used, then vehicle functions can be controlled, but driver distraction increases and ergonomics deteriorate due to requiring hand movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control mechanisms (steering wheel, pedals, buttons) with a capacitive touch interface integrated into the steering wheel. This allows drivers to control vehicle functions through touch without physical manipulation, eliminating hand movement from the steering wheel and reducing driver distraction while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel is transformed into a multi-functional control surface that combines traditional steering control with capacitive touch sensing. The same surface serves both steering and vehicle function control purposes, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and improving ergonomics by consolidating controls in a single, easily accessible location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-modal control mechanism is added to steering wheel, then control versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single integrated capacitive touch interface on the steering wheel. Instead of adding separate control mechanisms for different vehicle functions, the system combines steering control and vehicle function control into one unified interface, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive touch interface enables the steering wheel to perform multiple functions simultaneously - traditional steering control plus various vehicle function controls (climate, audio, navigation, etc.). This multi-functionality approach increases versatility without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single interface handles all control needs.
3Measurement precision
If sensor array is implemented to detect actuations, then detection precision improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with a capacitive touch sensor array. This substitution provides high measurement precision for detecting actuations (pushes, pulls, slides, rotations) while simplifying the manufacturing process. Capacitive sensors can be directly integrated into the steering wheel surface without requiring complex mechanical linkages or additional moving parts, making the assembly easier to manufacture while maintaining precise detection capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A manual control assembly includes a multi-modal control mechanism. The manual control assembly further includes a connection socket for housing the multi-modal control mechanism on a steering controller of a vehicle, wherein an interface of the connection socket is connected to a control system for the vehicle. The manual control assembly further includes a first sensor and a second sensor for detecting actuation of the multi-modal control mechanism, wherein the first sensor is positioned orthogonal to the second sensor to detect a force applied to the multi-modal control mechanism. The manual control assembly further includes a control module for generating, based on the actuation, input signals to be transmitted to the control system to control one or more components of the vehicle.